NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

The Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program is giving regional communities access to more funding for projects, programs and initiatives that drive economic development and respond to the opportunities and challenges in regional NSW. Delivered under the Regional Development Trust, this program will help to deliver infrastructure for projects like major event facilities, Aboriginal cultural centres, or industrial precincts that support regional economic growth and create or retain jobs. Find out more ➡️ nsw.gov.au/REDCIP

As Director of Executive Services, Agriculture & Biosecurity, Donna Mcleod knows that sometimes the stressors and challenges during the festive season can be tough on staff. The warm and thoughtful leader has seen it all and has good advice for people across the spectrum. ✔️ Too Busy? Prioritise tasks, delegate where possible, and set realistic expectations. Don’t be afraid to say no. ✔️ Feeling Anxious? Practice mindfulness, breathing exercises, or take breaks to reset. Focus on what you can control. ✔️ Feeling Lonely? Reach out to friends, colleagues, or community groups. Volunteering can also be a great way to connect with people. There is support from the department to prioritise employee wellbeing including: ⭐ Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free and confidential counselling services for employees and their families. ⭐ Flexible Work Arrangements: To help employees balance personal and professional demands. ⭐ End-of-Year Leave Opportunities: Encouraging employees to take time off to recharge. ⭐ Wellbeing Resources: Access to mental health toolkits, webinars, and workshops. The holiday season can be tough for some, but remember, there’s always someone ready to lend a hand. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful season from the department.

“I love the people I work with and how we can pull together, pool our ideas and make big projects happen!” Senior Digital Advisor, Terri Dittman is a pivotal member of the department's Digital and Design Team, ensuring information presented on the website is well-structured, inclusive and engaging. Terri started her time with the NSW Public Service all the way back in 2011.  “There have been a lot of technology changes over time,” she says, “which has kept me interested and constantly learning new things.” A career milestone came during the Northern Rivers floods, supplying vital information for those impacted on a regular, often daily basis. Outside of work Terri is one busy lady. She recently published her father's memoir, which tells the story of his experience as a state ward after he was abandoned as a baby.  She also makes and sells beautiful pottery (you can find her work online at her Etsy store TerriDittmanPottery) and even has her own kiln! On weekends Terri can often be found supporting her husband’s band The Bellhops where she moonlights as band photographer. 

In November, around 100 diverse young people aged 12 to 30 from across the state gathered together for the NSW Government’s inaugural Youth Summit. This landmark event provided a platform for young leaders and advocates to connect, engage with government decision-makers, and share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives on the issues that matter most to them. The Summit was co-designed by a working group of young people, ensuring it was truly youth-led. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with Ministers, Commissioners and senior NSW Government staff, as well as representatives from youth organisations. Key discussions focused on critical issues identified by youth, including the cost of living, the housing and rental crisis, affordable transport, mental health and wellbeing, Indigenous voices, education, employment, climate change, the arts, and diversity and equity. Attendees also heard from inspiring young changemakers and experts on a range of youth-focused topics. Looking ahead, the NSW Government continues to engage with thousands of young people through the 'Your Voice, Our Future' initiative, with the interim report now available online. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gKMfdEpY NSW Department of Communities and Justice Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP)

“International Day of People with Disabilities provides an opportunity for people living with disabilities to draw attention to the variety of issues that they face,” says Dale Finch. “But it is also an opportunity for people to celebrate what makes us different and that it is okay that we are all different.” Dale was born and lives with mild hearing loss. But that hasn’t stopped him from entering the NSW Government’s Graduate program and now working within the Ministerial and Parliamentary Services (MAPS) Team as a Departmental Liaison Officer. When he isn’t working Dale also volunteers as a surf lifesaver in summer and plays AFL in winter. “The main thing I’d like raise awareness on is that people approach and manage living with disabilities in different ways.” Dale says. “For a very long time refused to wear hearing aids because I didn’t feel comfortable wearing them in public so I adjusted and taught myself to lip read or politely asked whoever I was speaking to repeat themselves.” “The staff at the department have been really supportive during my career. The MAPS Team provide a great work environment which makes it a joy to come in to work everyday.” “If I need anything to assist me in doing my work, I only need to ask.” The department's Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2024-2029 reinforces our commitment to disability inclusion. The plan lays out actions to ensure that people with a disability feel valued, respected and supported. ➡️https://lnkd.in/gjc343x7 #IDPWD #DIAP #Inclusion  

Education Officer Honey Bees, Kelly Lees love what she does, and with her recent win of the prestigious Churchill Fellowship it shows. “I love all bees and I love working with bees, especially with students,” Kelly says. “I really love writing content and delivering training - the collaborative exchange of knowledge and skills between myself and the students is my favourite thing.” Kelly teaches both recreational and commercial beekeepers. Education is a vital tool for biosecurity and with the recent incursion and spread of Varroa mite in NSW her work has been vital to support beekeepers in learning how to manage the pest. Kelly was awarded the Churchill Fellowship for her work in this challenging space. In 2025, supported by the Fellowship, Kelly will travel to Southeast Asia to learn more about how beekeepers there manage bee parasites. “I am hoping to connect with a number of specialist researchers in the region.” Kelly says. “The main reason for southeast Asia is that I am especially interested in a species of mite that we don't have in Australia yet called Tropilaelaps. This mite is even more problematic than the Varroa mite and beekeepers in SE Asia have been managing both Varroa and Tropilaelaps mites together in their hives for a number of years.” “I am hoping to gain valuable insight into how other beekeepers detect, monitor and manage Tropilaelaps mites and also how this works when also managing Varroa.” Kelly's fellowship has been sponsored by Colin and Maggie Beer through the Saskia Beer Fellowship. The Churchill Fellowship provides an opportunity to Australians to travel overseas to conduct research in their chosen field. 

🚨 Listen up, folks – Jake knows what's up! ⬆️⬆️⬆️ The Office for Regional Youth is teaming up with organisations like batyr to make sure young people get the mental health support they truly deserve. 💪💙

Nicola Jones is deeply passionate about her work with the Girl Guides, where she helps create a supportive and empowering space for girls and young women. Through this role, she not only fosters leadership skills in the next generation, but also advocates for women’s advancement in traditionally male-dominated industries. As a project manager at NSW Public Works specialising in water treatment stations, Nicola has carved out a space for herself in a field that has historically been male-dominated.  Nicola is determined to lead by example and inspire more young women to pursue engineering. Citing a study that reveals many girls abandon maths and science by the time they reach high school – even when they have a natural aptitude for these subjects – she’s committed to showing them that these fields are not only accessible but also empowering. "Honestly the best (part) about this particular phase of my career is using the knowledge I gained in all my studies to build better infrastructure for current and future generations - the fact that I get to work with two incredibly hardworking and knowledgeable women (as her managers) is a bonus," she says. Her hope is that more women see engineering not as an obstacle, but as an exciting opportunity to break barriers and make a real impact.

100 years of vets! 🩺🐾 You may have seen the recent front page of The Land News & Livestock highlighting a century of veterinary evolution in NSW. As we celebrate 100 years since the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1923 came into effect, we’re shining a spotlight on the vital work of LLS District Veterinarians. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible contributions of three LLS vets making a difference: 🌟 Sophie Hemley, Team Leader Animal Biosecurity & Welfare, Western Local Land Services, - Ivanhoe, supports sheep and large-scale producers with expertise in livestock health, including sheep infertility, brucellosis testing, and seasonal nutrition. Sophie values the supportive LLS team environment and has also contributed to emergency responses for fires and floods. 🌟 Liz Polley, Graduate District Veterinarian, Greater Sydney Local Land Services, - Penrith, joined through the LLS Graduate Program and works on poultry health, livestock welfare, and emergency responses like the 2023 Avian Influenza outbreak. Liz credits the program for its strong mentorship and practical experience. 🌟 Shaun Slattery, District Veterinarian, North West Local Land Services - Narrabri, brings 33 years of experience, focusing on livestock disease surveillance and emergency responses. From Foot and Mouth Disease in the UK to M. bovis in New Zealand, Shaun’s career reflects his commitment to protecting animal health and food security. This year, the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW recognised the invaluable contributions of LLS District Vets as part of its centenary celebrations. Read more about their stories in The Land 👉 https://bit.ly/4i1IHL5 🐾 Join us in celebrating 100 years of veterinary excellence in NSW! #100YearsOfVets #DistrictVets #AnimalHealth #LLS NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Clarinda Sheeley, Director of Governance, Risk and Audit with the department, loves to run.  She says,"I am one of those crazies that love endurance events and spend my holidays running and cycling!"  Clarinda lives in Wollongong, a great place for a keen traveler and endurance athlete with proximity to both the outdoors and airports.  Like her downtime, Clarinda's career is all about seizing the day. Her advice to those at the beginning of their careers is to embrace change. “Always look for the opportunities it presents (and) say yes to things that may challenge you or take you out of your comfort zone.” Clarinda began her career as a lawyer in local government, where she honed her legal skills. “This experience paved the way for my transition to state government, where I specialised in the information and privacy space,” she says. She loves the variety in the work she does and engaging with people from across the department. “In the governance, information and privacy area, you see a wide variety of information from across the department which allows you to gain an understanding of the various different types of work that occurs.” “A common misconception is that governance is there to beat people with a big stick if they do not comply with the Code of Ethics and Conduct etc. Our primary role is to support and work out what can be done to make it easier for everyone to comply and identify areas where we can build capability.”